2023 Memphis Hip Hop Architecture Camp
Live From Memphis chronicles camp honoring Tyre Nichols
This summer, Live From Memphis had the privilege of partnering with the Downtown Memphis Commission, Material Bank, and Hip Hop Architecture Camp® to document their annual Memphis camp. The camp, which is dedicated to empowering underrepresented youth through the intersection of hip hop culture and architecture, brought together a group of students from across the city. This year's camp was particularly special, because it was held in honor of Tyre Nichols, a young Black man who was tragically killed by police in Memphis in early 2023.
Through the transformative lens of hip hop culture, the Hip Hop Architecture Camp nurtures a passion for architecture among underrepresented youth in Memphis. This year, the camp's focus shifted to the creation of a skatepark, a tribute to Tyre Nichols, who skated. As the students delved into the world of architecture, they explored concepts of design, space, and community.
Under the guidance of Mike Ford, the camp’s founder, and his leadership team (Renee Whiteley and Destiny Da Chef), the students embarked on a journey of creativity and collaboration, transforming their ideas into tangible designs and lyrics. Guided by the principles of hip hop culture – expression, empowerment, and community – they envisioned a skatepark that would not only serve as a recreational space, but also serve as a symbol of resilience and hope. They were joined by local experts and leaders; Todd Walker of Archimania, Downtown Memphis Commission President & CEO Paul Young, County Commission Chair Mickell Lowery, RowVaughn Wells, and many more.
Live From Memphis captured the camp's unique energy and creativity through video and photography. We also had the opportunity to work with some of Memphis' most iconic artists, including Al Kapone, 8Ball, Tonya Dyson, Ari Morris, Roger Rowe/Kingpin and many others, to create a music video and a behind-the-scenes video. The students wrote their own lyrics about their hopes for the future of their community, and all who come together to express their love for their city and their commitment to positive change.
Musical performances were led by Destiny Da Chef (pictured above left); I saw the process up close, and Destiny was amazing at bringing the best possible performances out of the kids. It was inspiring watching the amount of passion she put into it. When Mike Ford finally saw our video he said, “This is the best music video we’ve ever done.” I don’t think it was so much about our skills as much as the fact that the entire project was led by passionate people who all hope for change. It was our Memphis kids that brought the passion and hope!
Tyre Nichols Family reacting to the kids performances in the Memphis Hip Hop Architecture Music Video 2023
Nichols Family, Christopher Reyes
Both videos were premiered at a special event at the Cossitt Library in Memphis. The event was attended by Tyre Nichols' family, as well as members of the Memphis community. The premiere was a moving and inspiring occasion, and it was clear that our young Memphians had a profound impact on everyone who saw them. Let me just say that tears were shed all around.
Live From Memphis is honored to have been a part of this year's Hip Hop Architecture Camp. We believe that the camp is doing important work to empower young people and create positive change in Memphis. We are also grateful for the opportunity to have collaborated with some of Memphis' most talented artists and organizations such as the DMC and Connect Music that care about the city's future. Thanks to Paul Young, Penelope Huston and the Downtown Memphis Commission and Mike Ford. We hope that these videos will continue to inspire young people and remind them of the power they have to make a difference in their world. And to the family of Tyre Nichols, we stand behind you.
